The Earth system, The four terrestrial "spheres": lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere.
The dynamics of the atmosphere
The modeling of the relief.
Elements of physical geography: the interpretation of the landscape through images and topographic maps (geomorphology exercises)
A. Strahler "Fondamenti di Geografia Fisica", Zanichelli
Learning Objectives
The course aims to give the basic knowledge on the earth system and its complexity, with particular attention to the interactions between atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of physics, chemistry and physical geography normally acquired in upper secondary schools.
Teaching Methods
Lectures and practical exercises in the classroom.
Further information
Students will be provided with copies of the slides used during the lessons at the end of each topic cycle. These slides represent a sort of extended abstract of the program but are not sufficient for the preparation of the exam alone.
Type of Assessment
Oral examination and analysis of a topographic map, with possible discussion on graphic drawings produced during the exercises.
Course program
The Earth system
Definition of "system", scale of a system, supersystems and subsystems.
The four terrestrial "spheres"
The four 4 main components (subsystems): rock (earth), water, air and organic component = lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere.
Global dynamics
System scale cycles (planetary).
Interactions and feedback: global energy balance, thermoregulation.
The dynamics of the atmosphere
External and internal forcing, energy balance. Energy distribution. Atmospheric phenomena and meteorology. Climate: definition, classification. Greenhouse effect". Climate changes.
The dynamics of the hydrosphere
External and endogenous forcing, water cycle, ocean dynamics.
The dynamics of the lithosphere
External and endogenous forcing, energy balance.
Structure and composition of the earth, cycle of rocks, classification and types of rocks.
Cycle of the continents (plate tectonics), lifting and tectonics.
Atmosphere / hydrosphere / lithosphere interactions: alteration and erosion (fluvial, glacial, wind). River and coastal dynamics. The modeling of the relief. Structural control (morphostructures)
Atmosphere / hydrosphere / biosphere / lithosphere interactions: the oxygen cycle, the carbon cycle (karst).
Elements of physical geography: the interpretation of the landscape through images and topographic maps (geomorphology exercises)